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  1. Repair

Dishwasher not draining properly

Common reasons your dishwasher not draining properly

The most common reasons your dishwasher is not draining properly are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a faulty pump and motor assembly.

  • 35%

    35% of the time it's the
    Drain Pump

  • 24%

    24% of the time it's the
    Drain Hose

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 31%

    31% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

    Drain Pump Replacement

    When a dishwasher doesn't drain correctly, it's often due to a faulty drain pump. This can be caused by a defective motor or a damaged impeller within the pump. If the impeller is damaged, the pump may produce a loud noise. Likewise, if the motor fails to spin the impeller during the drain cycle, it may emit a buzzing sound or remain silent. Since the drain pump is challenging to reach, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and replace it if necessary.


    Drain Hose Replacement

    If your dishwasher isn't draining properly, a blocked or damaged drain hose may be the culprit. The drain hose links to the drain pump and directs wastewater to the sink drain. Equipped with a check valve, the hose prevents drain water from flowing back into the dishwasher once the drain cycle is complete. However, if the hose or check valve is cracked, water may flow back into the tub when the drain pump ceases operation. Since accessing the drain hose is challenging, it's best to enlist the help of a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to address any cracks or damages.

    Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

    If your dishwasher isn't draining correctly, the culprit is often a malfunctioning pump and motor assembly responsible for draining the water. The motor drives a pump impeller, which in turn moves the water through the drain hose. If the impeller is damaged or if the motor isn't spinning it properly, you may notice grinding or whining noises. When faced with these issues, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and repair the dishwasher to address the faulty pump and ensure proper drainage.

    What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not draining properly issue

    How can I get the dishwasher not draining properly problem fixed?

    Addressing most drainage issues typically requires replacing either the drain pump, drain hose, or the pump and motor assembly. However, since various factors could be at play, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem accurately. This precise diagnosis is essential for determining the cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services provides these recommendations for a dishwasher that is not draining properly

    If your dishwasher isn't draining properly, there could be several underlying causes. To prevent replacing unnecessary parts, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians have extensive experience diagnosing various types of dishwasher malfunctions.

    What to look out for when your dishwasher is not draining properly

    Identifying issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right expertise and training. Attempting repairs without proper diagnostic methods often results in guesswork when replacing parts. Appliances, especially those made in the last decade, feature intricate electronic components that are tricky to evaluate. DIY fixes for these advanced models are getting more complicated.

    What our customers say about us

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    Thorough

    James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


    Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

    Service Call

    Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


    James G, Hillsboro, MO

    Daniel

    Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


    Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

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    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A furnace fan, also known as a blower, is an integral component of your HVAC system that circulates air throughout your home, ensuring consistent temperature and air quality.

    A furnace flame sensor is a safety device designed to detect the presence of a flame when the furnace is on, ensuring that gas flows only when it is ignited to prevent dangerous gas leaks.

    A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.

    Common dishwasher symptoms to look out for

    These dishwasher brands may also experience not draining properly